Mold Concerns in Schools
Introduction to the Problem
Meghan Vecchio grew concerned about potential mold near the start of this school year when her child, who attends Murphy Middle School in the Plano Independent School District, reported a bad smell in a classroom and started getting headaches. She was told there was nothing to be concerned about, then felt misled when the district announced some areas did in fact have elevated humidity and needed cleaning. Soon, officials announced the closure of the school.
“It’s not that I’m unhappy that they’re cleaning things, but [they were] assuring us the air quality is safe, and yet this is the level of the response,” Vecchio said. “My trust is broken.”
Public Health Concerns
D-FW Public Health Alerts
Related
Air Quality Assessments
District officials said two independent air quality assessments were conducted at the school after community concerns were raised, according to a statement from Plano ISD, and found no evidence of black mold. But a September mold assessment report shows inspectors did find visible mold, mildew, damp carpet, noticeable humidity and drywall moisture levels higher than an acceptable range.
Breathing in black mold can worsen asthma symptoms and affect people who have mold allergies. But the Cleveland Clinic says it isn’t any more dangerous than any other types of mold. Mold grows in warm, moist areas and is commonly found near water damage in buildings.
Related
Remediation Efforts
The Sept. 4 report produced by environmental consultant ERC stated air quality was within acceptable levels for the parameters tested and gave several recommendations on cleaning and investigating sources of moisture.
“While initial cleaning addressed early findings, subsequent results revealed additional areas impacted by elevated humidity and changing conditions,” the district’s statement said. The school is now closed for “environmental remediation,” according to the district, including replacing carpet in some areas, cleaning the HVAC system, disinfecting surfaces, installing dehumidifiers and air purifiers, and resealing windows.
Related
Communication with Parents
In an email to families on Sept. 23, Murphy Principal Tramy Tran wrote the concern over mold became an issue over the summer when humidity in the building produced a musty smell. The district cleaned “relevant areas,” according to her email, and a third-party inspection found no evidence of black mold.
“The report concluded that the quality of indoor air is well within acceptable range and presents no health concerns,” Tran wrote. “We will continue to monitor this situation and take immediate action if any future concerns are raised.”
An alternate learning plan will begin for students on Oct. 7, according to the district, and all extracurricular activities are postponed. The closure comes a week before the district’s weeklong fall break, which the district’s statement said “allows for thorough mitigation with minimal disruption.”
The district will provide updates as remediation progresses, according to the statement.
Conclusion
The situation at Murphy Middle School highlights the importance of addressing concerns about mold and air quality in schools. While the district has taken steps to remediate the issue, the closure of the school and the postponement of extracurricular activities have caused disruption to students and families. It is essential for schools to prioritize the health and safety of their students and staff and to communicate effectively with parents and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is mold, and how does it grow?
A: Mold is a type of fungus that grows in warm, moist areas. It is commonly found near water damage in buildings and can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies or asthma.
Q: What are the symptoms of mold exposure?
A: Symptoms of mold exposure can include headaches, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. In severe cases, mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other health problems.
Q: How can schools prevent mold growth?
A: Schools can prevent mold growth by ensuring good ventilation, controlling humidity, and addressing water damage promptly. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help to prevent mold growth.
Q: What should parents do if they suspect mold in their child’s school?
A: If parents suspect mold in their child’s school, they should contact the school administration or district officials to report their concerns. They can also ask about the school’s policies and procedures for addressing mold and air quality issues.
